Of this man’s posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as He promised; before His coming John had already proclaimed a Baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his work, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not He. No, but One is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on His feet.’ Acts 13:23-25

The Holy Spirit brings to Paul’s mind and voice the lineage of king David within prophecy of our Promised Savior. Preparation is through John. His synagogue listeners know of John the Baptist yet probably had not heard that he said, “I am not He. No, but One is coming after me…”. They knew John because the alarm had gone out to even remote places such as Pisidia.

‘Paul says, yes and ‘as John was finishing his work,’ and swift prep work it is to receive the crowds coming to hear of repentance/Baptism. Then on a stupendous day with excited anticipation folks watch as Jesus walks into the Baptizer’s water in obedience to our Heavenly Father. At the Great Baptism of Jesus the Holy Spirit falls on Him like a dove and God’s voice says, “This is My Son, my beloved in whom I AM well pleased. Listen to Him.” (ref. John 1:32-34)

Paul knows our living Jesus Christ and he is a Scriptural Scholar. Paul affirms that John the Baptist is right on target saying, ‘One is coming after me; I am not worthy…’ Paul, not worthy. We, not worthy. Jesus is truly worthy. Friends, also may we tenderly remember the Saints gone before us– men and women who willingly gave their life blood so that we may humbly be obedient to Our Savior Jesus. Take hold of Him.